Found in: Central and South America, Caribbean, and parts of Florida.
Type: Reptile (lizard).
Diet: Herbivorous; feeds on leaves, flowers, and fruit.
Prey and Predators: Prey to birds of prey, snakes, and humans (hunting); young iguanas may fall prey to larger reptiles.
Population: Stable, but some species are threatened by habitat loss.
Fun Fact: Iguanas can detach their tails to escape predators, and it will regrow over time!
2. Indian Elephant
Found in: India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Type: Mammal (largest land mammal in Asia).
Diet: Herbivorous; eats grass, fruits, and bark.
Prey and Predators: Prey to humans (poaching and habitat encroachment); calves may be targeted by tigers.
Population: Endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
Fun Fact: Indian elephants are smaller than their African counterparts and have smaller, rounder ears.
3. Indri
Found in: Madagascar (rainforests).
Type: Mammal (largest living lemur).
Diet: Herbivorous; feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers.
Prey and Predators: Prey to fossas (a carnivorous mammal) and birds of prey.
Population: Critically endangered due to habitat destruction.
Fun Fact: Indris are known for their haunting calls, which can be heard for miles in the dense forests of Madagascar.
4. Indian Cobra
Found in: India, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia.
Type: Reptile (venomous snake).
Diet: Carnivorous; feeds on rodents, birds, and other small animals.
Prey and Predators: Preys on small mammals and reptiles; predators include mongoose, large birds of prey, and humans.
Population: Stable, though human-animal conflicts and habitat loss pose threats.
Fun Fact: The Indian cobra is highly revered in Indian culture and mythology, often associated with Hindu deities.
5. Ibex
Found in: Mountainous regions of Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
Type: Mammal (wild goat species).
Diet: Herbivorous; feeds on grasses, moss, and shrubs.
Prey and Predators: Prey to wolves, snow leopards, and lynxes.
Population: Stable, though some species are threatened by hunting.
Fun Fact: Ibex are incredible climbers and can scale steep, rocky terrain to escape predators and search for food.
6. Ibis
Found in: Worldwide (wetlands, forests, and coastal regions).
Type: Bird (wading bird).
Diet: Carnivorous; feeds on small fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Prey and Predators: Preys on aquatic creatures; predators include crocodiles, large birds of prey, and humans.
Population: Varies by species; some like the crested ibis are endangered, while others are stable.
Fun Fact: In ancient Egypt, the ibis was considered sacred and often associated with the god Thoth, the deity of wisdom.
7. Indian Pangolin
Found in: India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Type: Mammal (scaly anteater).
Diet: Insectivorous; feeds primarily on ants and termites.
Prey and Predators: Prey to tigers, leopards, and humans (illegal hunting for their scales).
Population: Critically endangered due to illegal poaching and habitat destruction.
Fun Fact: Pangolins are covered in tough, overlapping scales made of keratin, the same material as human nails, which they use to protect themselves from predators.
8. Iriomote Cat
Found in: Iriomote Island, Japan.
Type: Mammal (wild cat).
Diet: Carnivorous; feeds on small mammals, birds, insects, and fish.
Prey and Predators: Preys on small animals; no natural predators but threatened by human activities and habitat loss.
Population: Critically endangered, with fewer than 250 individuals remaining.
Fun Fact: This elusive wild cat is only found on Iriomote Island and is rarely seen, making it one of the rarest wild cat species in the world.
9. Imperial Moth
Found in: North America, from Canada to Brazil.
Type: Insect (moth).
Diet: The larvae (caterpillars) feed on leaves of trees like oak, maple, and pine. Adults do not feed.
Prey and Predators: Caterpillars are prey to birds, wasps, and parasitic insects.
Population: Stable but can be affected by habitat loss.
Fun Fact: The imperial moth’s large size and striking yellow-and-purple pattern make it a favorite among moth enthusiasts.
10. Indian Star Tortoise
Found in: India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Pakistan.
Type: Reptile (tortoise).
Diet: Herbivorous; feeds on grass, fruit, and flowers.
Prey and Predators: Prey to birds of prey, snakes, and humans (illegal pet trade).
Population: Vulnerable due to habitat destruction and illegal pet trade.
Fun Fact: The star-like pattern on their shell helps them blend into the sun-dappled environment of dry grasslands.
